By Adesina Bello Lateef

“Peacebuilding is considered a major step towards meaningful development, while tolerance and harmony among the three major religions in Nigeria are the most important ingredients for peaceful coexistence in every community. Therefore, we are totally committed to peacebuilding.”

His Eminence, Prophet Dr Oladipupo Babatunde Okeyomi, the Baba Aladura of The Holy Fountain of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Orimolade Worldwide, stated this at the 10th edition of the Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Change Agent Foundation International (CAFI).

According to Prophet Okeyomi, the core objective and philosophy of the Annual Ramadan Lecture is to encourage religious tolerance to ensure peace reigns supreme within local communities and the country at large.

“I am always impressed and deeply at peace each time I see people of different belief systems feasting together, especially when engaging in interfaith marriages and living happily,” Okeyomi said.

Drawing from classical examples in the nation’s first family, Dr Okeyomi advised Nigerians to emulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi, the latter being a Christian and ordained pastor, while the president is of the Islamic faith.

“The same applies to the former Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, whose wife is a Christian while he is a Muslim, yet their marriage blossoms,” Carry-Go emphasised.

Meanwhile, a special prayer session was observed for the president’s successful tenure and the unity and progress of the nation.

Prophet Okeyomi, who is also the founder and president of the Change Agent Foundation International (CAFI), further advised Nigerians to remain resolute in supporting the president’s Renewed Hope Programmes, assuring them that the country is in safe hands. He cited the steady fall in the prices of fuel and food commodities as a sign of better days ahead.

“Better days are here,” Okeyomi assured.

As in previous years, the 10th Annual Ramadan Lecture was hosted in the main compound of Baba Aladura Oladipupo Okeyomi and featured Ustaz Dr Jamiu Adegunwa Labaika (The Christ) as the guest lecturer. The renowned Islamic scholar, well-versed in both Quranic and Biblical knowledge, spoke on the topic “Love for Duniyan – The Source of All Evil.”

According to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Baba Okeyomi is a devoted Christian and politician whose character and disposition reflect an accommodating nature towards people of different faiths.

He emphasised that the annual sponsorship of the Ramadan Lecture is done in good faith, devoid of political propaganda.

“Baba Aladura Okeyomi’s love for peace and religious tolerance is absolute and has nothing to do with politics or any form of propaganda. He is a man of great vision, a philanthropist, and a grassroots mobiliser.

“Although he is a leading aspirant for the position of Executive Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA in this year’s local council elections, as I mentioned earlier, his engagement in Islamic or other religious activities is entirely separate from his political aspirations,” a member of the organising committee stated.

As always, the event concluded with the distribution of food items and cash gifts, much to the delight of those in attendance.

Present at this year’s Ramadan Lecture were notable Islamic clerics, scholars, Imams, and Alfas from Ojokoro LCDA, Christian leaders and traditional chiefs.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro Local Councils in attendance included Chief Adebayo Salvador, Dr Adeleke Ipaye, Prince Adewale Bello, and Mr Jelili Oseni, Ojokoro LCDA APC Chairman, alongside his executive members.

All Ojokoro LCDA ward chairmen and their executive members also honoured the invitation. Leaders who were unavoidably absent but ably represented included Mr Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo, Mr James Adisa Owolabi, Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Chief Mrs Folashade Omotogun and Alhaja Adefolabi, among others.